Omar Shaikh: Executive in Residence

Published: April 2, 2015

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Omar Shaikh, co-owner and President of the SURG Restaurant Group, was the UW-Parkside "Executive in Residence" for the spring 2015 semester.

The UW-Parkside College of Business, Economics, and Computing sponsors Executive in Residence each semester giving students and members of the community the opportunity meet and learn from leaders of top businesses and organizations in the area.

"Our students were very impressed with Omar's candor," said Dirk Baldwin, dean of the College of Business, Economics, and Computing. "We have had other entrepreneurs as Executive in Residence, however, this was the first time in the history of the program that we have had someone who has achieved the highest level of success in one of the most competitive business segments – fine dining." 

Shaikh started the day at a breakfast meeting with honor students from UW-Parkside's AACSB-accredited business program. He then delivered two hour-long presentations that includes examples of his success and what he has learned from mistakes. "As an entrepreneur," Shaikh said, "you are going to make lots of mistakes. Learn from them and don't make the same mistake twice."

The day concluded at lunch with campus leadership and members of various UW-Parkside advisory boards.

A graduate of Cardinal Stritch University, Shaikh provides residents of southeastern Wisconsin and visitors to the area with exceptional dining experiences as partner of SURG Restaurant Group. With a passion for fine dining and outstanding service, Shaikh has helped evolve and revitalize Milwaukee's food scene at his establishments.  

The SURG story.

Constantly pushing the envelope and developing new tastes with his head chefs, Shaikh delivers quality and consistency with every bite. Thriving in the upbeat, fast-paced service industry, Shaikh finds balance with his involvement in several community and tourism organizations including; Waukesha Business Alliance, NEWaukee, and Sharp Literacy. He is also the vice chair of the Executive Committee for VISIT Milwaukee and sits on the board for Donald Driver's Driven to Achieve Foundation and Froedtert's President Advisory Council.

Shaikh continues involvement with his alma mater, Cardinal Stritch University as a Business Advisory board member and has had the past privilege of serving on the State Tourism Council and was a board member with the Milwaukee Urban League. 

More on Omar Shaikh.

Past Executive in Residence featured speakers include Mark Murphy, president of the Green Bay Packers, and Paul Grangaard CEO of Allen Edmunds. 

The UW-Parkside College of Business, Economics, and Computing prepares students to become business and community leaders in a broad range of organizations. The partnerships built with alumni and the business community afford students ample opportunities for internships in their areas of interest. Graduates of the College have the ability to successfully solve complex, unstructured business problems by acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in a global economy. 

For more information on the Executive in Residence presentations, please contact Andi Worrell, College of Business, Economics, and Computing -- 262-595-2243.

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